Status of scientific research integrity knowledge in dental undergraduates from 34 universities in China

This study investigated the status of research integrity knowledge among dental undergraduates from 34 Chinese universities in 5 key demographic regions.

Questionnaires regarding the status of research integrity, including perception, attitude, and firsthand experience of scientific research integrity, were distributed to dental undergraduates of 34 Chinese universities. These universities were from 5 key demographic regions of China, i.e., eastern, western, northern, southern, and central. The questionnaires filled out by 1514 participants were further analyzed.

The results showed that among the participants, nearly 70% acquire scientific integrity knowledge through courses, as well as ideological and political education, while the remaining students acquire scientific integrity knowledge through other means, such as books and conferences. From the attitude perspective, most students (80-90%) oppose scientific misconduct. However, a few students also have an insufficient understanding of scientific misconduct and still need to improve their scientific research integrity training further. We also found that the research integrity training and the surrounding research environment affect students' attitudes and self-behavior regarding scientific integrity.

Our findings indicate that the ethical academic and research environment, implementation of scientific integrity courses in the curriculum, and proper supervision are vital in improving scientific research integrity knowledge in dental undergraduates in Chinese universities.